Carlisle United: Crystal Palace loanee Plange leaves Blues

The Blues have decided against pursuing another loan spell for the young forward.

Plange has gone back to his Premier League club despite Paul Simpson saying the striker was available for one more game in his half-season loan.

Instead of remaining for that fixture – Saturday’s trip to Exeter City – United have allowed the 21-year-old to return to south London now.

The writing was on the wall for Plange at United after he was left out of the last two matchday squads.

Simpson, the Blues’ manager, told the News & Star that the half-season loan had not worked out as well as all parties had hoped.

His departure comes as United prepare to welcome a new striker – record signing Luke Armstrong – into their ranks for the second half of the League One season, as well as new midfield arrival Harrison Neal.

Plange made 26 appearances for Carlisle, scoring two goals – in away games against Lincoln City and Reading.

Plange scored twice for United, including against former club Lincoln City, pictured, but has now left Brunton Park (Image: Barbara Abbott)

The Premier League prospect struggled to make a big impact in Simpson’s side despite some promising performances against the likes of Northampton Town and Bristol Rovers, as well as his former loan club Lincoln.

Some travelling United fans cheered when he was substituted in December’s 3-0 defeat to Blackpool, prompting Simpson to publicly defend the former Derby County man.

But weeks later and his time at Carlisle is over, with the Cumbrians reshaping their squad for the fight for third-tier survival. "Everyone at Carlisle United thanks Luke for his efforts and contributions during his time at Brunton Park, and wishes him well for the future," the club said in a statement.

Simpson has already today brought in Sheffield United midfielder Harrison Neal on a two-and-a-half year deal.

The Blues expect Armstrong to be available for his debut at Exeter this weekend too, with Carlisle also eyeing another potential signing ahead of the Devon trip.

The hectic spell of transfer activity comes early in the January window as Simpson, backed by United’s owners, the Piatak family, looks to strengthen his third-bottom squad for the crucial period ahead.